Naval Exploration

Invention/Contribution:

• Muslims were pioneers in naval exploration and seafaring, dominating the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean between the 7th–15th centuries.

• Built advanced ships such as dhows (with lateen sails) and junks (influenced through trade with China).

• Used tools like the astrolabe, kamal, and magnetic compass for long-distance voyages.

• Mapped monsoon winds and ocean currents, allowing safe and predictable travel.

• Muslim fleets explored East Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and even China, linking continents through trade and culture.

• Famous figures include Ahmad ibn Majid (Arab navigator who wrote detailed sailing manuals) and Zheng He (the Muslim admiral of China’s Ming dynasty, who commanded treasure fleets across the Indian Ocean).

Why it matters:

• Connected Africa, Asia, and Europe in a global network long before the European “Age of Discovery.”

• Spread goods like spices, textiles, and knowledge — along with Islam as a world religion.

• Muslim maritime knowledge influenced European explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Columbus.

“The Indian Ocean was, for centuries, a Muslim lake — navigated, mapped, and mastered by Arab and Persian sailors.” 

Paul Lunde, historian of Islamic seafaring

Long before Columbus, Muslims ruled the seas. With sturdy dhows, triangular lateen sails, and tools like the astrolabe and compass, they crossed the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean with ease. Navigators like Ibn Majid charted monsoon winds, while the great admiral Zheng He led treasure fleets as far as East Africa. Muslim naval exploration connected continents, carried goods and ideas, and lit the path for Europe’s later voyages of discovery.